teachers & leadership
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Tina Brimo, Director
Tina brings over a decade of experience in working with and advocating for young children as the Director of our school. She firmly believes in the power of play as a means of learning, and understands that children flourish when they experience care, consistency, and respect. Tina's personal journey began when she immigrated with her family from Guyana to New York at the age of 12. Since then, she has resided in various locations including New York, Vermont, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. With a combined teaching and work experience of eight years in the D.C. area, Tina has developed a deep understanding of the local educational landscape. Tina holds an undergraduate degree from the City College of New York, and she pursued her Masters degree at Concordia University in Portland. She also serves as a Child Development Associate Professor at a local DC University. During her leisure time, you can find Tina participating in Zumba classes, going for runs, or tending to her extensive collection of house plants. She cherishes her involvement in the Hill Havurah Community and feels privileged to be a part of it. |
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Mary McDowney, Educator
Mary McDowney, a native of Washington, D.C., has deep roots in the community and currently calls Silver Spring, M.D. her home. With three daughters and four grandchildren, she treasures the joys of family life. During her spare time Mary finds delight in shopping, cooking, and nurturing her abundant collection of plants. Mary firmly believes that children thrive when they are immersed in a loving, caring, and interactive play-based environment. As she embarks on this academic year, she eagerly anticipates cultivating a fun-filled learning atmosphere for both herself and the students of Gan Shalom. With her passion for education and commitment to creating a nurturing space, Mary is dedicated to helping children reach their fullest potential. |
Samuel (Sam) Osborne, Educator
Sam brings eight years of valuable experience in the childcare field to our school. He pursued his studies at St. Augustine University, where he specialized in Elementary Education, further deepening his understanding of effective teaching practices. Currently, Sam holds a CDA (Child Development Associate) certification in infants and toddlers, demonstrating his expertise in nurturing and guiding young minds.
In his personal life, Sam cherishes quality time with his five-year-old son, engaging in activities that foster their bond. When it comes to food preferences, Sam has a soft spot for anything involving potatoes, which undoubtedly adds to his enthusiasm in the kitchen.
With his passion for education and wealth of experience, Sam is eager to contribute to the growth and development of the children at our school, ensuring they receive the utmost care, guidance, and support.
